Simpson trial set for Sept. 8

O.J. Simpson's trial has been delayed until September to give defense more time to prepare.

LAS VEGAS  A judge agreed Friday to delay the armed robbery and kidnapping trial for O.J. Simpson and two co-defendants until September to give the defense more time to prepare.

Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass also refused throw out the charges against the former football star and refused to separate his trial from co-defendants Charles Ehrlich and Clarence "C.J." Stewart.

In her ruling to push the trial to Sept. 8, Glass acknowledged it took longer than expected for prosecutors to analyze and enhance tape recordings, transcripts and fingerprints and turn them over to the defense to prepare for trial, which had been set initially for April 7.

The judge issued a stern warning to lawyers that "there should be absolutely, positively no reason" to postpone trial again.

Simpson, Ehrlich and Stewart are accused of kidnapping and robbing two sports collectibles dealers in a September meeting in a room at a Las Vegas hotel-casino. Simpson maintains he was retrieving items that belonged to him and that no guns were involved.

Kidnapping, the most serious charge, carries the possibility of life in prison with the possibility of parole. But the judge indicated that prosecutors have presented little evidence to support the kidnap charge.